Simon Cowell, One Direction launch You Generation online talent show

One Direction will help learn Simon Cowell's new online talent search The You Generation later this week with a live-stream interview.

The X Factor boyband have teamed up with Cowell to promote what is being billed as "the world's first global audition channel".

Watch Cowell's interview about The You Generation below:

Cowell's project will take place in 26 countries and will allow the public to show off their skills and talent simply by uploading a video clip.

The contest will run for 52 weeks with 26 fortnightly contests. The talent can range from make-up artists to style gurus, chefs to vocalists and will be judged by Syco execs.

Finalists will be chosen every two weeks, and a new winner will be announced every second Friday. Each winner will get a cash prize.

You Generation goes live on Wednesday, March 20 with the One Direction live stream.

Former T4 and Love Shaft host Will Best will front the project, introducing behind-the-scenes videos from inside the House of Syco, the best and funniest auditions and the latest news on The You Generation. Cowell and Best will announce the bi-weekly contest categories via Skype.